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a collage of AC students enjoying food from around the world

International Food in Vancouver with AC Students

Written by Alexander College in Vancouver on January 21, 2021

Last Updated: May 19, 2023
If you’re a new or an international student just coming to Alexander College for the first time and looking for the best food in downtown Vancouver, we have a multitude of cultures and experiences that our students have shared with us. One of the best ways to get to know another is by culture sharing with food! There is a lot of history behind food and our Alexander College students have shared so many of their stories when it comes to food from their countries. From the excitement of Jollibee opening in Canada for the first time to enjoying some dim sum for lunch, the joys of food is an universal experience! If you’ve ever been curious about why Korean rice cakes are eaten during new years or why matcha is so prevalent in Japanese culture then take a look at our AC Lifestyle videos featuring international food in Vancouver!

Jollibee in Vancouver

Curious to know what Filipino fast food tastes like? For Filipino Food Month, we invited some students to try a well-known and loved Filipino fast food chain, Jollibee, which opened its first BC location downtown! The students tried popular menu items such as the Chicken Joy, Jollibee Spaghetti, the Yum Burger and the delicious Peach Mango Pie and gave us their thoughts on each food. Check out this installment of AC Students Try if you’re ever in the mood for some quick spaghetti and chicken!

Cantonese Food in Downtown Vancouver

Have you ever wanted to know about some great dim sum and Cantonese snacks around Vancouver? We joined our student Elle as she took us through some iconic Cantonese snacks such as dim sum, BBQ known as “char siu” and afternoon tea. Dishes you can find in Hong Kong as well as Vancouver due to how multicultural our city is! We also learn some interesting history and facts behind the snacks and beverages. For example, Hong Kong styled milk tea is different from Taiwanese milk tea! Definitely a great segment to check out if you’re near Vancouver’s Chinatown looking for some good eats.

Food Trucks in Downtown Vancouver

Did you know that Vancouver is well known for its street food? We joined our hosts Sam and James as they explored some great food trucks ranging from Indian specialties, Japanese styled hotdogs to Filpino comfort foods with a modern twist. Food trucks and street eats are great for either a small snack or a quick lunch if you happen to be working Downtown. Especially if you’re on a short break! Check out this episode if you’re ever in the mood for an on-the-go bite when touring Downtown Vancouver!

Bubble Tea in Downtown Vancouver

Curious about how bubble tea is made? Ever wonder what the pearls are in bubble tea? We had the chance to visit Teaever Bubble Tea shop for a behind the scenes look at how the popular drink is made. With our AC host Aaron as a guide, we learned about the differences between preparing milk teas, fruit teas and slushes. Aaron even had a chance to explore the little differences in the quality of tea, freshness of milk and temperatures of the pearls to how it all affects the taste of bubble tea. Special thanks to Teaever Bubble Tea shop for allowing us to make this video happen so be sure to check it out!

Japanese Food in Vancouver

If you’re a fan of delicious and healthy dining options, look no further than Japanese food! Our student Go Idoki had an amazing time teaching us some fun facts behind dishes such as sushi, ramen and “konbini” snacks. We explored why sushi is often paired with wasabi and how ginger acts as a palate cleanser. Go even introduced us to the handmade ramen noodles of a shop that he used to work at in Vancouver! Finally, we also learned about the “konbini”, which refers to Japanese convenience stores that always stock a variety of fun and unique snacks. If you’re ever in Downtown Vancouver and need a quick bite, definitely check some of these recommendations out!
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Taiwanese Food in Vancouver

Ever wonder what goes into a black pearl milk tea? Curious about why Taiwanese fried chicken tastes different from places like KFC or Church’s? We joined our student Linda as she guided us through classic and traditional Taiwanese foods and snacks such as the gua bao, beef noodle soup and salt & pepper chicken! Taiwanese beef noodle soup is one of the most iconic dishes in Taiwan. Did you know they even have a national beef noodle soup competition every year? There are also many chains of Taiwanese styled fried chicken all over the world with some even located in Downtown Vancouver! The gua bao is also an amazing quick lunch as Linda shows us just how portable yet tasty it is. Definitely a great episode of AC Lifestyle to check out!

Korean Food in Vancouver

Do you have an interest in Korean culture and cuisine? We met up with our student Brian who took us on a journey to try some iconic Korean foods such as Bibimbap, Bingsu and Choco Pie! Bibimbap is a traditional Korean rice dish that is known for its variety of seasonal vegetables, meat and hot stone bowl. When it comes to meeting with your significant other, bingsu is a shaved ice dish that is really common in the summertime. Brian also went over some popular Korean snacks such as Choco Pie and Honey Butter Chips that you can find at your local Korean grocery store. We also explored some cultural dining etiquette that would be helpful the next time you visit a Korean restaurant or just want to impress your Korean friends during dinner!
Have an idea or topic for a future AC Lifestyle video? If you’re looking to get involved with an episode of AC Lifestyle, send us an email at youtube@alexandercollege.ca! You can also find more AC videos on our YouTube page and don’t forget to subscribe! Learn more in our International Students Guide

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Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.

Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.